Senior Finance Officer (SFO) at Grassroot Researchers Association (GRA)

Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA) is a nonprofit and non-political rights-based organization registered in 2016 with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria as a local content hub aimed at facilitating evidence- based grassroots initiatives and actions that promote development, justice and victims support in the communities. Our mission is to be an active grassroots mobilizer towards improving the total quality of human life and social justice in Nigeria. Our programmes are spread across Climate Change, Conflict, Security and Justice, Social Economic Development and Governance. For more information, visit: www.grassrootresearchers.org

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Finance Officer (SFO)

Reference Number: GRA/2025/08/SFO
Location: Maiduguri, Borno 
Employment Type: Contract (Full Time)
Resumptions Date: September 15th, 2025
Project Duration:18 Months (renewable)

Job Summary

• As a Senior Finance Officerat Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA), you'll be a key part of our finance team, crucial for ensuring our financial stability and accountability.
• You'll work closely with professionals to manage project finances, including accounting and reporting. Your main goal is to ensure the efficient and transparent management of funds, which directly supports GRA's vital programs.

Responsibilities

• Manage all day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and bank reconciliations, ensuring they are accurate and timely.
• Prepare and present accurate financial reports, such as budgets, cash flow statements, and income statements, for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain the general ledger, ensuring all transactions are recorded correctly and proper accounting practices are followed.
• Serve as the main point of contact for auditors, ensuring audits are completed smoothly and on time.
• Manage state-level project funds and ensure compliance, meticulously tracking expenditures and making sure all financial regulations are followed.
• Oversee petty cash, implementing and monitoring internal controls to prevent financial risks.
• Develop and implement strong internal financial controlsto protect the organization's assets and reduce fraud risk.
• Assist in the annual budget development process, providing valuable financial insights.
• Provide financial analysis and reportingto support strategic, data-driven decisions across the organization.
• Maintain and manage financial databases, accurately tracking and reporting on all funding.
• Stay current on Nigerian accounting standardsand specific financial reporting requirements to ensure continuous compliance.
• Handle other financial dutiesas assigned, supporting the overall goals of the finance team.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a related field. Amaster's Degree or a professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, ICAN) is a significant advantage.
• A minimum of five years of progressive experience in financial management and accounting, with a strong focus on managing project-based funding for non-profit organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, financial controls, and international reporting standards, with a proven ability to manage compliance for multiple donors.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, particularly for preparing financial reports and presentations.
• Proven experience leading and working effectively within multicultural teams in challenging and high-pressure environments.

Most Preferred Skills:

• Extensive experience managing finances for projects in conflict or fragile contexts, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges involved.
• Proven ability to write and deliver high-quality, accurate financial reports for international funders.
• High proficiency with accounting software (QuickBooks, SAP) in addition to MS Office(Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Advanced planning, time management, and project management skills.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and people management skills.
• Familiarity with financial data storage, security, and analysis systems.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly professional, accountable, and proactive, with a strong focus on achieving results.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a proven ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to work autonomously and make sound financial decisions with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and decision-making skills.

Application Closing Date
5th September, 2025 12:00 PM (WAT) 

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications via email to the Joint Recruitment Committee (JRC) to: jobs@grassrootresearchers.org and copy a.livinus@grassrootresearchers.org using [Your Name] / [Position Title] [Location]. Example (Rukaiya Aminu/Senior Finance Officer/Borno:), as the subject of the mail.

Note:

• The subject line of your email must follow this format: [Your Name] / [Position Title] [Location]. Example (Rukaiya Aminu/Senior Finance Officer/Borno:) Applications that do not follow this format will not be considered.
• Your application must include aone-page application letterand acurriculum vitae (CV) of no more than 4 pages.
• All documents must be converted into a single PDF fileand submitted as an attachment by12:00 PM (WAT) on September 5, 2025.
• Please be aware that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early.
• Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.